Designated School Officials (DSOs) of college and universities have the important task of updating student records and helping students maintain their status while attending school on an F visas. One common pitfall can be maintaining the proper course load for the program of study. Ideally, DSOs will work students proactively to make sure they stay… [Read More]
6 Strategies to Avoid USCIS H-1B Denials
Data assessment from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Data Hub shows denial rates for new H-1B petition and H-1B extensions at unprecedented levels in the two fiscal years since President Trump took office. The USCIS launched the H-1B Employer Data Hub in early April. The Hub is part of an ongoing initiative… [Read More]
4 Benefits of an International Workforce for Your Business
Some companies wish to hire international employees due to necessity, while others seek to improve or expand their company. No matter the reason, there are numerous benefits to utilizing an international workforce, and though the process of hiring foreign workers is not without its challenges, most employers find that it is well worth their time and… [Read More]
4 Benefits of Bringing Foreign Students to Study at American Universities
In order to recruit foreign students, higher education institutions, private schools and public high schools must obtain certification through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) program. Once certified through SEVP, the institution must maintain compliance within the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which tracks the courses of study,… [Read More]
7 Tips for the 2020 H-1B Cap Season
While immigration – or more specifically, President Trump’s “wall” – dominates the first full week for the newly elected Congress, the next few months should see immigration in the forefront of national discourse. Immediately, we can expect debate to continue as the majority Democrat House of Representatives spar with President Trump over funding for his… [Read More]
2018 Year in Review – the Top 5 Changes to Business Immigration this Year
2018 saw many changes in the immigration landscape and the implementation of President Donald Trump’s “Buy American, Hire American” initiative, which has and will continue to reshape the way the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) enforces federal immigration law. While news headlines were dominated by anti-immigrant policy and rhetoric, talk of building a… [Read More]
The Impacts of Premium Processing for H-1B Extensions and Portability
On August 28, 2018, the USCIS announced that an April suspension of premium processing for Cap-subject H-1B petitions would continue and would be expanded as of September 11, 2018, to other H-1B petitions, most notably, H-1B extensions and H-1B “change of employer”. The suspension of H-1B premium processing for these types of H-1B petitions is expected to last until… [Read More]
Top 5 Tips for Year-End Immigration Planning
With the change from summer to fall, we approach the end of 2018 – when many companies are planning their recruitment and retention strategies for foreign employees. In today’s immigration landscape, it’s important to know how to proactively plan for your business goals, so we have compiled our Top 5 Tips for Year-End Immigration Planning:… [Read More]
Physician Groups Worry H-1B Scrutiny to Impact Patient Care
National physician groups are worried that increased scrutiny on H-1B visa applications will impact patient care at teaching hospitals throughout the United States, according to a letter sent to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Francis Cissna. Prevailing Wage RFEs Due to Lack of Data The letter expresses concern that non-U.S. international medical graduates (IMGs)… [Read More]
Six Common SEVIS Mistakes and Staying SEVP Compliant with Today’s USCIS
While a May 10 memo from United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not necessarily change the immigration law around popular student visas, it does go further in clarifying the USCIS policy on enforcing legal status in the United States. These changes could result in increased penalties for students and their sponsoring organizations. It… [Read More]
